Prevalence

Causes

> Neurological [22, 23, 24]

Serotonin is linked to weight regulation and eating behaviors. There have been documented cases of elevated serotonin in the cerebral spinal fluid in patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Lower levels of norepinephrine are also associated with anorexia nervosa. Dopamine activity is also linked to body image distortion, and the D4 receptor gene malfunction, which is associated with both bulimia nervosa and binge-eating.

> Hormonal

Hormone changes may be the result or possible cause of bulimia. There are complex irregular interactions between neuropeptide Y (NP-Y), peptide Y (PYY), and anorexia-causing factors such as cholecystokinin (CCK) and beta-endorphin. Furthermore, people with bulimia nervosa have reduced beta-endorphin and CCK levels.

> Genetics

No definite inheritance patterns have been identified in bulimia, but a familial component appears to be involved in the development of eating disorders. There have been proposed genetic links on chromosomes 1, 3, and 10p related to bulimia nervosa. Chromosome 10p may also be linked to obesity, in addition to bulimia nervosa.

In addition, suppression of cholecystokinin (CCK) and ghrelin, following meals may occur in individuals, suffering from bulimia nervosa. Therefore, researchers believe that this predisposing factor could lead to an impaired sense of satiety (sense of fullness) and/or the emergence of an eating disorder. [25]

> Developmental Factors

Developmental factors that could lead to bulimia include: childhood and/or separation anxiety. [26] It also involves a history of childhood trauma and neglect, including subtle degrees of psychological abuse, teasing, and other interactions that generate self-doubt also appear to play a role in the development of bulimia nervosa.

Risk Factors

Bulimia nervosa is more common among people, whose occupations or hobbies requires rapid weight loss or weight gain, such as with wrestlers and competitive bodybuilders. [12] In addition, athletes like track runners and gymnasts are more prone to eating disorders, than athletes like golfers or tennis players. [13]

For instance, a female athlete, who suffers from three or more eating disorders, hypothalamic amenorrhea (a lack of menstrual cycles and/or anovulation – absent ovulations), and osteoporosis, becomes well-known – mostly because in her occupation, slim bodies are of great importance.

Moreover, female gymnasts, divers, long distance runners, and figure skaters have a higher risk of developing eating disorders, partly due to their occupations. It is important to note that male athletes like wrestlers, cyclists, weightlifters also experience eating disorders. Furthermore, actors/actresses, models, and ballet dancers have a higher risk of developing anorexia or bulimia, than those in careers that do not focus on body shape and appearance. [14]

In addition, mortality from suicide and morbidity associated with depression and poor impulse control – i.e. substance abuse, sexually-transmitted diseases, unintended pregnancies, and accidental injuries can all contribute to the development of eating disorders like bulimia.

Lastly, those with bulimia nervosa, depression, and an alcohol dependency have a very high risk of suicide, especially in those, who excessively exercise. [10, 11]

Although these complications are rare, they can be fatal if the stomach or esophagus ruptures. In addition, chronic ipecac can result in an enlarged, malfunctioning heart.

Prevention

Removing the familial focus on physical appearance is the best way to prevent atypical thought processes that put people at-risk of developing eating disorders. In addition, programs that educate young people about healthy nutrition, exercise, and weight loss, while promoting self-esteem can also help prevent bulimia and other eating disorders.

When to Seek Professional Help

Bulimics typically have feelings of guilt, and therefore, are less likely to deny that a problem exists, when interviewed by an understanding professional. In addition, a high suspicion index is required when a young person appears to be depressed or extremely weight-conscious.

> A set of screening questions, such as the SCOFF questionnaire [15], can quickly help determine the need for further in-depth questioning.

The SCOFF questionnaire includes the following 5 questions:

Do you make yourself “S” ick because you feel uncomfortably full?

Do you worry you have lost “C” ontrol over how much you eat?

Have you recently lost more than “O” ne stone (about 14 lbs. or 6.35 kg.) in a 3-month time period?

Do you currently suffer with, or have you in the past, suffered with an eating disorder?

> The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) is a self-report screening instrument that patients can complete, in the waiting room, while waiting to see a health care professional. [17]

A family history of eating disorders, anxiety, mood disorders, and alcohol and/or substance abuse/dependence can heighten the risk of developing bulimia nervosa.

People with bulimia nervosa are more likely, than others to view their families as conflicted, disorganized, non-cohesive, and non-nurturing. These individuals are also more likely to appear to be angry and submissive to hostile and neglectful parents.

Families members may tease an individual with bulimic tendencies.[18]

Careful assessment of the family’s dynamics should be undertaken.

Treatment Options

Initial care for bulimia nervosa is usually provided in outpatient settings. Factors like significant metabolic abnormalities, medical complications, risk of suicide, failed outpatient treatment, and inability to care for self may indicate a need for inpatient services. For guidelines on patient-level-of-care, refer to the APA Practice Guidelines for Eating Disorders. [8]

Interdisciplinary Approach

Bulimia nervosa is best managed using an interdisciplinary approach. A primary care provider, psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and nutritionist/dietitian should be involved in the patient’s care. If the psychiatrist is unskilled in this area, a psychotherapist with expertise in eating disorders should be consulted. A nutritionist/registered dietitian should provide the patient with dietary review and nutritional rehabilitation counseling, and he/she should receive proper dental care.

Outlook

Eating disorders tend to arise within a cultural context that places an extremely high value on “thinness” placing unreasonable expectations on physical appearance.

Awareness of the cultural and social forces, along with education for children and their parents on attitudes and behaviors that foster eating disorders may reduce the occurrence of eating disorders. A family can find learning opportunities through primary care, athletics, and in educational settings.

More so, some schools offer programs that emphasize health, fitness and a wide-range of physical and psychological competences. Research suggests that these programs may reduce the development of the negative attitudes, associated with eating disorders, in vulnerable school-age children. [9] Therefore, experts suggest that the earlier bulimia is recognized and treated, the better the chances for recovery.

Lastly, factors like the length of the symptoms, the age of the individual at the start of treatment, severe weight loss, and/or clinical depression are all associated with a poorer prognosis. The rate of relapse with all eating disorders is fairly high, and usually triggered by social stress. It is important to note that bulimia’s mortality rate is approximately 4-percent.

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have read on this site. The use of any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk. nothing stated or posted on this site or available through any services are intended to be, and must not be taken to be, the practice of medical or counseling care. For purposes of this agreement, the practice of medicine and counseling includes, without limitation, psychiatry, psychology, psychotherapy, or providing health care treatment, instructions, diagnosis, prognosis or advice.